Christmas in Puerto Rico

With the holidays, vacation, and a lot going on at work, this blog has been horribly neglected lately. I am due for a few updates!

I had a wonderful Christmas with Lauren's family in Puerto Rico. Rincon is an amazing, laidback beach town, known as the "Pueblo del Surfing," which means the surfing town, and "El Pueblo de los Bellos Atardeceres," the town of beautiful sunsets. Rincon has become more popular over the past few years, although part of its charm is the quiet, low key, friendly beach town atmosphere.

Lauren's family goes every year for Christmas and invited me to join them again. I can't think of a better place to spend the holidays. We stay right on the beach, in an incredible beachfront villa, with our own little stretch of beach and sparkling blue water, waking up to the sound of ocean waves in the morning. The view from the back deck is incredible. I have kept this picture as the desktop background on my computer since first staying at the villa in 2003.

This is paradise!

After a slightly traumatic detour in getting there (and an unexpected night at a lovely Newark Airport hotel), I finally made it to Rincon. We had a great Christmas Eve tropical dinner at "The Spot" (or the "Survivor Place" as I call it due to all the tiki torches), where you can hear the ocean waves crashing as you are enjoying dinner.

On Christmas morning, our personal bartender, Stan, broke out the holiday pina coladas, which we enjoyed out on the beach with a few of our Rincon friends. For Christmas dinner, we went to a place called "Rock Bottom," which is essentially a shack up in a treehouse, run by surfers who have clearly been out in the sun too long. Awesome.

We watched the Eagles/Cowboys game, then Nick, Stan & I headed over to Kasa Vieja, a little dive sports bar in town, to catch the first half of a very boring Jets/Dolphins game. Who would have thought we would be the only ones out on Christmas night, watching football and eating 25 cent wings, chilling with a famous television star.

Rincon is a top surfing destination and during our stay we made trips to Sandy Beach and the famous Playa Marias, where the big waves and the surfers are. After a decent lunch at Shipwreck Bar & Grill, we also made a quick stop at Tamboo Beside the Pointe.

Life in Puerto Rico was pretty rough. Sleep, have coffee out on the back deck overlooking the ocean, a morning walk down Corcega Beach, catch a few hours of sun, our daily lazy afternoon strolls over to Villa Cofresi, a nap or two in the hammock, watching the beautiful sunsets in the evening with a glass of wine. Our days were clearly very stresful!

Nick gave his mom some DVD collections for Nip/Tuck, Grey's Anatomy, and possibly the best show ever, The Shield, so despite our very busy schedule (see above), we managed to catch up on a few episodes from the first season.

Of course, the highlight of any vacation to Rincon is a visit from the massage therapist. Yes, she brings her table right to the house and sets it up on the back deck. There is not a whole lot better than a massage at night, in the dark and ocean air, hearing the waves crashing just a few feet away. Amazing. Unfortunately, it makes any other massage you ever get suck in comparison!

The weather there was beautiful. I came back with a great tan that is quickly fading. I just wish we would have taken more pictures! Thank you Lauren, Nick, Stan & Sharon for an excellent vacation!

A Very Veggie Christmas

Looking for a good appetizer to make for your next holiday party? These red & green veggie pizza squares are fairly healthy, easy to make, and look quite festive. Just look for the reduced fat crescent rolls and fat free cream cheese. Perfect for any party!

Veggie Pizza Squares

Ingredients:

One (8 ounce) package refrigerated reduced fat crescent rolls
One (8 ounce) package fat free cream cheese, softened
One (1 ounce) package Ranch-style dressing mix
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375-degrees.

Roll out crescent rolls onto a large non-stick baking sheet. Stretch and flatten to form a single rectangular shape on the baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Allow to cool.

Place cream cheese in a medium bowl. Mix cream cheese with 1/2 of the ranch dressing mix. Adjust the amount of dressing mix to taste. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust. Arrange red bell pepper, broccoli, and green onions on top. Chill in the refrigerator approximately one hour. Cut into bite-size squares to serve.

Recipe makes 24 bite-size squares.

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 75
Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 162mg

And the Heisman Goes to...

As predicted, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith took home the 72nd Heisman Trophy Saturday night in New York, the award that honors college football's best player.

Smith, who won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's best quarterback earlier in the week, was the Big Ten offensive player of the year. He led the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 record, throwing for 2,507 yards and a school record 30 touchdown passes, with only five interceptions. Smith also led the Big Ten in passing efficiency with a 167.9 rating.

The senior moved to the front of the Heisman race in September with a flawless performance against Texas and finished off a perfect regular season by throwing four touchdown passes against Michigan.

Smith becomes the first Ohio State player to win the Heisman since running back Eddie George claimed U.S. college football's most prestigious award back in 1995.

Watch the Tournament of Champions!

A few weeks ago I helped out at the NFL's flag football National Tournament of Champions in Orlando. Some highlights of the tournament will be airing over the next few weeks. The 30 minute show will be broadcast on the NFL Network. Remember, if your cable company does not carry the NFL Network, you need to call them and tell them you want it. Or visit www.iwantmynflnetwork.com!

Tournament air dates are:
12/10 - 1:00pm
12/15 - 5:30am
12/16 - 10:30am
12/23 - 12:30pm

We are planning two other air dates in January, still TBD.

A New York Minute

We all know that I am not a big fan of taking the subway. What can I say, I prefer staying above ground. I walk whenever possible, take the bus on occasion, and am not opposed to spending a few extra dollars to jump in a cab when needed. I have this intense fear of being trapped underground. In the dark. With rats. So aside from the occasional trip to Yankee Stadium, I have a tendency to avoid the subway. Taxi fares went up a few years ago, making this a pretty expensive habit. But after this latest increase, I think I will have to find another mode of transportation! Hopefully with all this new walking I will be doing, I'll be in great shape for the summer!!

New York taxi riders pay more to sit still
Average Big Apple cab ride jumps $1 to $9.65

The Associated Press
Nov 30, 2006

NEW YORK - Taxi passengers take note: The price of a New York minute doubled on Thursday.

Starting just after midnight Wednesday, the fare for an average cab ride climbed by about $1 as passengers faced higher charges for time spent sitting in traffic.

The base amount of a cab fare depends on how far the trip is, but drivers also charge for time idling at lights and crawling through congestion.

After hearing complaints about higher fuel costs, the city Taxi and Limousine Commission agreed last month to hike the charge for "wait time" from 20 cents per minute to 40 cents per minute, increasing the average fare from $8.65 to $9.65.

Passengers offered a range of opinions Thursday on the change, with some calling the increase "terrible" and others saying drivers have a right to make a living.

"It's not a budget buster. It's just an annoyance," said John Neiswanger, of Rahway, N.J., who frequently uses taxis while in the city on business. "I won't be walking."

Others were equally sanguine.

"This is New York — you get what you pay for," said rider Michael Naren. "People are going to complain about it, but, ultimately, it's fair."

Many city dwellers may not notice the change at all because they've already been priced off the streets.

Taxis have long been an extravagance in the city — the domain of wealthy businessmen, rich old ladies and tourists. For most residents, cabs are for special occasions, like a hot date, a trip to the airport or a quick ride home after a late night on the town.

"If I was in a cab 10 times a week, I might be upset. But who can afford that?" said Michael Rogalski, a maintenance worker from Queens. "Look, the drivers are entitled to it."

City taxi fares last rose in 2004, but the wait time cost has not changed in almost 17 years, Taxi & Limousine Commissioner Matthew W. Daus wrote in a column on the agency's Web site.

As a result, he said, drivers who had the bad luck of picking up a passenger who needed to go someplace with heavy traffic were getting shortchanged.

The new wait time fare is expected to add an average of $2.64 per hour to drivers' earnings, bringing their average hourly wage to $15.60, Daus wrote.

The new rate puts New York in the same range as other major U.S. cities for wait time fare, which includes time spent moving at 12 mph or less.

Another change in taxi fares also went into effect Thursday: a new flat fare of $45 on trips from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens. The same price was already in place for trips from the airport into Manhattan.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Wednesday it would not raise city bus and subway fares in 2007. No increases are planned on the agency's Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road commuter lines, either.

© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Travel Tuesdays

Last night over dinner at goodburger, our new favorite place in midtown, Brooke & I were talking about the Giants vs. Cowboys game next weekend. Both of us agreed that once you have been spoiled watching football in the comfort of a warm press box or corporate suite, the thought of spending a Sunday out in the cold at Giants Stadium in December, just isn't so appealing. We know, we're such brats! But it is definitely not the same experience as watching a big game out in the stands with a pumped-up crowd. So while we are enjoying the game this weekend from the regular seats, here's a look at what Forbes Traveler is calling some of the most luxurious suites in the world. I wouldn't mind watching a game from that spa at Chase Field. And for just $5,900, you even get sandals!

The Rogers Centre

home to the Toronto Blue Jays

The suites at this stunning park have all the standard amenities: comfy stuffed chairs, retractable glass panels, outside seating, indoor dining, a bar, bathroom, flat-screen TVs and walls decorated with sports memorabilia. "The big revolution when that ballpark opened," says sports author Josh Leventhal, "was the sheer number of luxury boxes." There are 150 available and they go for about $32,000 a game. Luxury box guests also have access to the new, exclusive members-only Club 200 VIP, which features a lavish lounge area and dining tables at the edge of the action.

Chase Field

home of the Arizona Diamondbacks

In Phoenix there's one enemy to overcome in the summer: the heat. Chase's retractable roof captures the ballpark's massive air conditioning outflow, but the luxury suite area known as "the Pool Zone" does one better for its guests. The pool and spa give an unobstructed view of the game while you recline on plush patio furniture or float around, refreshing yourself with cocktails. The Pool Zone rents for $5,900 per game and accommodates up to 35 people, all of whom receive a Diamondbacks beach towel, cap and pair of Sensi Sandals. Chase Field has also opened up three other unique suites--the Batter's Box (behind home plate) and two Dug Out suites, all of which are right on the field and include in-seat food and beverage service.

FedExField

home to the Washington Redskins

One of the most unique luxury box experiences is found here, according to HOK Sports' Lori Peterson. "Dan Snyder came to us when he bought the field and said he wanted to move the press out and turn the broadcast booths into suites." The result is a common grand entryway, decked with fireplaces, bars, dining tables and a gorgeous wood paneling interior. "It looks like the best country club in the country but better," says Peterson. After making their entrance, suite holders walk down to small private suites, huddled close to the field. The suites are only available per season -- prices range from $75,000 to $200,000.

Gillette Stadium
home of the New England Patriots

For the last two years the team topped the charts for the highest priced tickets in the league, but luxury box holders who pay as much as $325,000 a season will tell you that the experience is worth every Benjamin. Each of their 86 suites were designed to resemble a "very elegant home," Peterson says, and feature big theater chairs, granite tables, full-height subzero refrigerators and residential-style lighting to make you feel right at home.

Bank of America Stadium

home of the Carolina Panthers

The Charlotte stadium made it onto Jayson Wolfe's list after he watched the Continental Tire Bowl from a luxury suite and was seduced by the beauty of the boxes and the accommodating wait staff. But you don't have to sacrifice excitement for luxury, Wolfe says. "Even from the suite the crowd noise was deafening." The stadium's 158 suites are done up in Panthers colors and combine a lounge area with two rows of upholstered chairs behind sliding glass windows. Suite membership comes with private parking spaces, an exclusive VIP stadium entrance and pre-game field access. Season prices range from $59,000 to over $100,000, with individual game boxes ranging from $8,500 to $30,000.

Busch Stadium

home of the Saint Louis Cardinals

Opening in 2006 to high praise, the new stadium offers 64 luxury boxes, each with padded balcony seats, plasma screen televisions, and a private bar. The suites have been booked for the next decade, at season prices ranging from $105,000 to $185,000. Members of the Cardinals Club, a separate venture, get special reserve seating (between home plate and the dugouts), a pre-game five-star meal, VIP parking and complimentary food and drink during the game. Decked out luxury box, or the best seats in the park: it's a fielder's choice.

'Tis the Season

After a very relaxing Thanksgiving at the Connecticut shore, it is back to work on Park Avenue where a barrage of red, green, pine, ribbons, bells, and a million white lights seem to have exploded in our lobby over the weekend. I suppose it is quite festive, but if you prefer your holiday decorations to be more of the "virtual" kind, then here is a fun web site. It's the 2006 Holiday Flake-A-Thon! The more snowflakes you create, the more the company Popular Front will donate to the Salvation Army. Check it out. You can even view my cool snowflake here.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Is there such a thing as Thanksgiving without football? Actually, I'm sure there are plenty of families who could care less. But watching football on Thanksgiving is a tradition at many family gatherings. Will you be watching? This year for the first time, the NFL will be showing three Thanksgiving Day games. The Denver at Kansas City night game will be the first live regular season game broadcast only on the NFL Network.

Does your cable company carry the NFL Network? If you are a Time Warner, Cablevision or Charter customer in the tri-state area, you will not be watching the evening game. Please call your cable company directly and let them know that you want the NFL Network added to your channel lineup. Cable companies decide what networks to add based on customers demands. You can contact your cable provider at the numbers provided below:

Cablevision (NY): 516.364.8400

Charter Communications (CT): 800.827.8288

Time Warner (New York State): 888.683.1000

Time Warner (NY City): 212.358.0900

You can also fill out this form or visit www.iwantmynflnetwork.com for more information.

May you and your families have a very Happy Thanksgiving, enjoying family, good friends, good food & some good football!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Travel Tuesdays

Now that the weather outside is officially cold, dark, and just not very fun, I thought it would be a perfect week to dream of some incredible tropical destinations. Unfortunately, there is a high price tag that comes with such private and secluded paradise. Here are four of the world's most expensive luxury resorts. Wow.

Necker Island
British Virgin Islands
$30,000 per night

Billionaire Richard Branson purchased this private island in 1982 and transformed it into a vacation destination for his family, building four Balinese-style private villas and cultivating lush gardens. When the Bransons aren't there, they rent it out: The rate starts at $30,000 per night for up to 26 people, and it includes all meals and drinks, wireless Internet access, laundry and activities like windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing and speed-boating.

The Rania Experience
The Maldives
$9,500 per night

The Rania Experience, an exclusive-use resort in the Maldives, is located on a seven-acre island in the Indian Ocean. The island's entertainment pavilion features a home theater and programmed Apple iPods. Use of an 86-foot yacht is included in the room rate, as are a private chef, unlimited spa treatments, diving courses, big game fishing and local island cruises. Rania accommodates nine; room rates start at $9,500 per night for the first couple and $500 per night for each additional guest.

The Villa at Sandy Lane
Barbados
$8,000 per night

Built in 1961 on the site of an old sugar plantation, Sandy Lane is one of the Caribbean's poshest resorts. Highlights include the Romanesque spa and the 18-hole golf course. Room rates at the 7,300-square-foot villa, which is adjacent to the hotel and has five spacious bedrooms and marble floors, start at $8,000 per night and rocket up to $25,000 during high season.

Altamer
Anguilla
$4,714 per night

The African Sapphire villa at Altamer resort goes for $80,000 per week during high season, with a two-week minimum. The villa is 14,000 square feet, with 21-foot windows, a home theater, private pool, several hot tubs and eight bedrooms. For bargain prices, visit during the summer, when rates start at $33,000 per week.

Tournament of Champions

On Friday morning I went down to Orlando to help with the NFL's Flag Football National Tournament. It was a busy weekend, but an awesome time, and the kids had a lot of fun. If there is one thing that the NFL knows how to do, it is how to put on a great event.

We stayed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which offers resort accomodations with a rustic feel and is a pretty neat place. I couldn't see any animals from my room, but we didn't really spend much time at the hotel. We arrived on Friday, spent the day checking in teams at one of the other Disney hotels, and then organized the kids on buses for a welcome reception at Pleasure Island.

Saturday was the big day. Over 200 kids participated in the flag football national Tournament of Champions held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Boomer Esiason, the official spokesman for NFL Flag, presided over the day's events. The tournament was a great success and will be airing soon on the NFL Network.

We even managed to catch the end of the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, then headed over to the Grand Floridian for an excellent dinner at Citricos.

I spent most of Sunday delayed in the Orlando airport, charging my phone at Outback Steakhouse and watching some of the early afternoon games.

However, I was on the plane flying back to New York and missed seeing Donovan McNabb injure his knee, bringing his season, and probably my best fantasy season in history, to an end.

The weather was a little bit cold for Florida, but the sun was out the whole time. Unfortunately, I did not see much of the Animal Kingdom's pool!